The state Medical Examiner’s Office has determined that a 31-year-old Bend man who died in the Deschutes County Jail in mid-December died of a methamphetamine overdose, sheriff’s deputies said Tuesday.

Bend police honor bank guard for officer assist

Bend police on Tuesday honored a security guard working at a downtown bank who came to the aid of a police officer being assaulted in June

BEND, Ore. -

Bend Police Chief Jim Porter on Tuesday recognized James Cornforth for the "valiant and courageous actions" he displayed while helping Officer Wes Murphy during a physical altercation on June 4th in downtown Bend.

Cornforth is employed by G4S Secure Solutions and was working at the Bank ofAmerica downtown branch on that day.

Officer Murphy encountered an uncooperative man, identified as George Flack, 47, near the Bank of America, police said.

Police said the man tried to strike Murphy and the officer fell on his back while trying to avoid being hit. The aggressive subject then got on top of Officer Murphy and began punching him several times, police said.

"Without hesitation, James Cornforth responded to help," and pulled his gun to help police subdue and arrest Flack, police said Tuesday.

"Due to Cornforth’s assistance, Officer Murphy was able to avoid further injury and arrest the subject," they said.

Cornforth was given a “Citizen Commendation” plaque "expressing our gratefulappreciation for his selfless and admirable actions," the police news release stated.

Copyright 2014 KTVZ. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed

Recommended

Comments

The views expressed are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Service and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms.